Articles tagged with "Technology"

Researchers from Germany's Hof University of Applied Sciences have developed a new insulation material made from mushroom mycelium that captures CO2 and is compostable. The project, called Mycobuild, aims to produce these eco-friendly insulation boards at an industrial scale by 2026, using locally sourced plant residues. The material is tested for flexibility, moisture absorption, and thermal conductivity, showing promise in reducing mold risk through the integration of a mineral top layer. The team focuses on optimizing production while addressing consumer concerns about potential mold issues.

US company NANO Nuclear Energy is selling its ODIN microreactor technology to Cambridge AtomWorks in the UK for $6.2 million. The ODIN microreactor uses High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium with an enrichment level of up to 20% and features a unique low-pressure coolant system. This sale allows NANO Nuclear to focus on its gas-cooled reactor portfolio, including the KRONOS MMR Energy System, LOKI MMR, and ZEUS reactors. Collaboration with MIT is ongoing to explore the use of solar salts in advanced nuclear reactors.

Six construction technology firms have collectively raised $110 million. Recent months have seen a significant portion of this funding directed towards startups focused on reality capture and projection. These technologies are increasingly becoming integral in modern construction projects, enhancing efficiency and precision.

Greenbuild 2025 is an annual event for green building professionals, scheduled for November 4-7, 2025, in Los Angeles, aiming to improve resilience and sustainability in buildings and communities. Attendees will gain insights into sustainable development, connect with industry leaders, and explore innovative solutions. The event offers numerous learning opportunities, including CE credits, and will emphasize social equity and diverse participation.

Researchers at Rice University have developed a fast and eco-friendly method to extract aluminum and remove toxic metals from red mud, a by-product of aluminum production. This new technique involves flash Joule heating with a chlorine gas dose, extracting 96% of metals in about a minute, leaving an aluminum-rich residue for reuse. The method could be transformative for industries beyond aluminum, reducing waste, emissions, and the need for new bauxite mining, while converting waste into strong building materials. The project is being scaled globally with industry collaboration.

The article discusses the shift from the traditional design-bid-build approach to the design-build delivery model in construction. The design-build model is seen as essential for handling today's complex projects more effectively. A contractor CEO highlights the advantages of integrating design and construction processes to build smarter and stronger structures.

Siemens Gamesa has agreed to supply 35 14-megawatt wind turbines to the Formosa 4 offshore wind farm in Taiwan, providing clean energy to approximately 500,000 homes. This marks the third collaboration between Siemens Gamesa and Synera Renewable Energy, a leading developer in Asia-Pacific's offshore wind sector. The turbines will be produced at Siemens' facility in Taichung, Taiwan, and are part of a broader push to localize production and strengthen regional supply chains. Construction for the wind farm is slated to complete before 2030, with the installation of inter-array cables beginning in 2028.

Skanska is expanding its advanced technology unit to take advantage of the high demand in the data center sector. Despite challenges faced by increasing material costs, the company aims to capture growth opportunities within this booming market segment. Launched earlier this year, the division is set to capitalize on the burgeoning demand for data centers.

The article discusses the increasing risks on construction jobsites and the potential of AI-powered safety tools to mitigate these risks. However, construction companies face a challenge in trusting these AI tools without proper testing and verification processes. The article stresses the importance of benchmarking these technologies to ensure their reliability and effectiveness.

The article discusses the importance of lean financial operations for construction firms looking to scale. It highlights how modern accounting systems enhance visibility, speed, and profitability. These systems can streamline financial processes, providing firms with a competitive edge in the market.

Volvo CE and Volvo Trucks have completed the world's first fully electric deconstruction project in Erlangen, Germany, using a fleet of all-electric machines. The project demonstrates the potential for sustainable urban transformation, achieving a 96% recycling rate of construction waste. This initiative underscores the importance of cross-sector collaboration in advancing sustainable practices in the industry, reducing emissions, and addressing noise and pollution concerns in urban areas.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in the U.S. has developed the ULIS power module, a compact silicon carbide device that can deliver five times greater energy density than existing models. It features ultrafast, ultraefficient electrical current switching and is suited for applications in power grids, aviation, and military vehicles due to its lightweight and reliability. The module's innovative design includes wireless capabilities and a unique shape that minimizes size and weight, broadening its applicability to various technologies. A patent is pending for its low-latency wireless communication protocol.